Waverly Heights Congregational
United Church of ChristHistory
Waverly Heights Congregational Church was organized in January 1911. Rev. Winey, a minister sponsored by the Congregational Mission Society, canvassed the area known as the Starr sub-division of Portland. Recognizing the need for a Sunday School and church in the area, he organized the church with seven charter members (one man, aside from Rev. Winey, and five women). Classes were held in the Masonic Hall (often used as a dance hall) located on S.E. 26th and Clinton Street.
Interest in a church became evident and a discussion arose about property for a building. The land where we are now located, SE 33rd and Woodward, was chosen. Fortunately, at about this same time, Staub Memorial Church was tearing down their church building. The material from their old building was purchased, brought to SE 33rd and Woodward, and re-constructed (photo at left). That building (above) consisted of two rooms, a sanctuary and a combination dining hall and kitchen. A total amount of $3,800 was spent. $1,800 for the property and $2,000 for the building materials. Waverly Heights Congregational Church was now an entity.
Rev. Lee Lynne was called in 1934 to serve as pastor, and his became the longest pastorate up to that time, serving the church for nearly eight years. His ministry brought great good to many individuals and to the church to which he gave so much devotion. The women's work was put more in its present shape during his leadership. He was very insistent that the women should help more in the spiritual aims of the church and not be primarily a money raising group. Quite likely his greatest contribution was in the field of young people's work. The young people, with some older helpers, excavated and built a room on the courtyard which was christened "The Gold Room." In order to construct the Gold Room, the youth had to remove an eight foot bank at the rear of the church. Fortunately, the City of Portland came to their aid by relocating the dirt to the Washington Park Zoo.
By 1949 we had outgrown our church facility and decided to rebuild Waverly on its existing site.The men of the church took on the project of tearing down our beloved Waverly. During this time, Sunday School and church services were held at the Oregon Theater on SE 35th and Division, just a few blocks from our corner. Pre-schoolers held their Sunday morning classes in private homes. The first service in the present facility (photo above) was held on November 20, 1949, with a more formal dedication service held January 29, 1950. A large crowd attended the latter service, in spite of bitter winter weather. The parsonage which had stood for many years on the adjoining property was subsequently torn down to allow for additional parking. The present parsonage, located nearby, was built by the church and completed in 1961. For 100 years now Waverly has been a beacon to the community of the Starr sub-division of Portland (and the Waverly Heights and Richmond neighborhoods).
Ministers who have served this faith community include the following installed pastors:
Rev. Winey 1911-1914 Rev. A.C. Moses 1914-1918 Rev. O.P. Avery 1919-1925 Rev. Frank Carlson 1925-1929 Rev. Hugh Lovell 1929-1934 Rev. Lee Lynne 1934-1942 Rev. Geo. Halstead 1942-1945 Rev. Thomas McCamant 1945-1954 Rev. Eugene Kirchner 1954-1963 Rev. Bert Helm 1964-1966 Rev. Keith Rader 1966-1974 Rev. Farley Maxwell 1974-1984 Rev. James Reid 1984-1993 Rev. Doreen Corwin &
Rev. Gary Corwin1994-2000 Rev. David Zaworski 2002-present T
